Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, savory chicken sausage, and rotini pasta in a creamy, peppery cheese sauce. With the addition of Pepper Jack cheese, Parmesan, and a hint of spice, this dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or meal prep. It’s quick to make, packed with protein, and absolutely delicious, making it an instant favorite in your recipe rotation.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
12 oz rotini or penne pasta
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1½ cups shredded Pepper Jack cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Brown the Chicken Sausage

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken sausage and sauté for about 5 minutes until browned. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Breast

To the same skillet, add the diced chicken breasts, onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and the onions have softened.

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini or penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 4: Simmer the Creamy Pepper Jack Sauce

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Combine Everything

Stir in the shredded Pepper Jack cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated in the spicy cheese sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Prep time: 15 minutes

• Cooking time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 35 minutes

• Servings: 6

Variations

• Extra Spicy: Use hot chicken sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat.

• Veggie Twist: Add baby spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for extra veggies.

• Cheese Substitutes: Swap out Pepper Jack for smoked gouda or sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.

• Lighten It Up: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter version of the sauce.

• Pasta Alternatives: Fettuccine or bowtie noodles can be used instead of rotini for variety.

Storage/Reheating

This creamy pasta dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. For optimal freshness, store it in an airtight container. When reheating, add a splash of extra cream or chicken broth to restore its creamy texture. You can also freeze the pasta for up to 3 months—just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

FAQs

Can I use another type of sausage?

Yes, turkey sausage, spicy Italian sausage, or even a mix of sausage types can work well in this dish.

Is Pepper Jack cheese too spicy?

Pepper Jack has a mild heat. If you prefer a milder dish, feel free to substitute it with Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese.

Can I freeze this creamy sausage and chicken pasta?

Yes, this dish can be frozen. Let it cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. To reheat, simply thaw and warm on the stove with a bit of extra cream or chicken broth.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half, or even a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version.

Does this pasta reheat well?

Absolutely! This dish reheats well on the stove. Simply add a little extra cream or broth to maintain the creamy texture.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! You can swap the rotini for other types of pasta such as penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta depending on your preference.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make the recipe dairy-free, use dairy-free cheese and replace the heavy cream with coconut milk or another dairy-free alternative.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

To increase the spice level, consider using hot chicken sausage or adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when making the sauce.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, you can easily add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat slowly with some extra cream or broth.

Conclusion

Creamy Pepper Jack Chicken & Sausage Pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines creamy cheese, tender chicken, and savory sausage in one hearty meal. It’s easy to make, adaptable to your tastes, and perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep. With its rich, spicy cheese sauce and comforting pasta, this dish will quickly become a favorite at your dinner table. Whether you’re making it for your family or preparing leftovers for the week, you’ll find that this recipe delivers both flavor and convenience.